Once in awhile on a February day, you catch a break and the roads are free of ice and snow, the temperatures are reasonable, and the wind is forgiving. On these days, it’s important to take advantage of the opportunity. Therefore, I pulled out my cold-weather cycling gear, changed out my trainer wheel for my road wheel and at long last, I let the rubber meet the road. It’s always a different experience going from trainer riding exclusively, to riding outdoors, and it’s an experience I look forward to. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the opportunity to train on my bike through the winter months in the warmth of my basement on my trainer, but it’s all a rather fabricated and thankfully, temporary substitute for the real thing.
I started out easy, but steady. I had to adjust my glasses, so I rode no-handed for a moment. I was relieved that this skill was still intact. I felt a bit restricted by my additional apparel, but it was still worth constriction. When I arrived at the first hill, I couldn’t resist getting out of my saddle and attacking it. What a rush.
The light wind from the NE challenged me slightly, but it was good to feel it because it reminded me that my ride was authentic, but I did look forward to returning with a tailwind.
Other than the temperature, there is something very cool (read “crazy” by most) about cycling down roads that are surrounded by snow covered fields, trees, houses, and ice covered ponds and lakes. There is almost a feeling of getting away with something. The whole experience prompts a never ending grin.
People in cars looked at me like I was crazy. Not too many years ago I would have agreed with them and stared with the same look of equal parts awe, pity, and judgment. I didn’t mind the looks. In fact, they were inspiring because I knew I was doing something most were not willing to do. However, not only was I willing, I was stoked to be out doing my thing.
It felt great to be free again on the open road. I look forward to being out again, but as odd as it may seem for a guy who cycled 30 miles in temperatures in the mid-30’s, I’m a fair weather rider, so I know I’ll have to wait. Tonight the forecast is calling for a fresh batch of 5-9 inches of snow.
Carpe diem.
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Sunday, February 21, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
When Off Season Turns to Bring it On Season
Yeah, it’s only mid-February, but I can feel the season comin’ down the tracks like a high-speed freight train. I’m not panicked or freakin’ out. There’s no need for that, but I can feel the pressure turning from sloggin’ along and thinkin’ as long as I’m movin’ it’s all good, to it’s time to get movin’ faster, longer, and stronger. I’m looking at my race season’s schedule now with anticipation and excitement and not just with starry-dreamy eyes of things to come. In about two weeks it will be March. This means if I’m…er…lucky, I’ll be taking my bike off the trainer, dressing up in my cold-weather gear, and cycling outdoors. If it’s March, that means the month following is April..and bang! My first event! If my first event is over, this means my second event is coming up and May is on the way. If May is on the way that means time trials begin and it’s time to get faster still. If it’s May, that means June is coming quick and dusting off the wetsuit and braving the open water is in order and the first triathlon of the season is calling and the 24-Hour Challenge is about to happen. If it’s June, that means July is on the way and Tri Del Sol is on tap and I need to commit to the tri- or the du-, show up and get ‘er done. If it’s July, then I’m excited as heck while Ryan battles his personal demons while he finishes his first Ironman 70.3. If it’s July, that means August is on the way and the call of the Timberman, Ironman 70.3 that has been summoning me for years will be louder than ever. If it is August, this means I’ll attempt to do another half-Ironman distance event only three weeks later because I’m crazy and love it…and then school will start again and I’ll be looking over races during the off-season with starry-dreamy eyes in anticipation of what’s to come…that is until it’s time for Bring it On Season again. Ladies…gentlemen…our engines have been started.
I’m just sayin’.
I’m just sayin’.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Endurance-Girl...Rita Betcher
Rita Betcher is a 40-something endurance junkie. She’ll tell you she’s not, but her actions will tell you otherwise. In the past year, among other endurance events, she climbed Mt. Rainier, completed a grueling trail marathon, and somewhere during the year managed to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
TS: Other than “because it was there” what inspired you to climb Mt. Rainier?
RB: Climbing Mt. Rainier, was inspired by a co-worker. It was one of those “If HE can do it, then I can do it,” kinds of moments.
TS: What was one of the biggest challenges for you on this particular expedition?
RB: Well, to be honest, packing my gear was a challenge and making sure I had everything I needed. I had to be careful not to pack too much because I had to carry my beast of a bag up the mountain. Coming down the “disappointment cleaver” was a bit scary due to the 60-mph winds, so that comes in a very close second.
TS: What was the most rewarding aspect of your Mt. Rainier climb?
RB: Without a doubt, it was the spectacular view. It was well worth it.
TS: If you had to provide a theme song for this event what would it be? I’m thinking not Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty.
RB: Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.
TS: What advice would you give others who might want to attempt this feat?
RB: Oh, I have lots of advice. Read about Rainier, go with a respected guide company, carry a 50# backpack on your back while cleaning your house, and train until your legs look like tree trunks.
TS: In December you ran the Tecumseh Trail Marathon in Ohio. Would you recommend this to sane people?
RB: Hmmmm. How do I answer this??? Yes, I would recommend it. However, if you would have asked me immediately after the 5:20 marathon, I would have said “No way Jose!” It was a great adventure with my husband. Well, maybe I should say “torture” with my husband. It is a must try event. It makes the Pinckney ½ Marathon seem like a walk in the park. Who knew there are very large hills in Indiana? I’m here to tell you there certainly are!!! It is an event Jim and I will never forget, and we were rewarded with really cool jackets to commemorate our finish.
TS: If you had to do it again, what would you do differently?
RB: I would definitely do more hills in training. We thought we were prepared by doing the Yankee Springs trails, but we were foolish, very foolish because we way underestimated the hills in this marathon.
TS: When you qualified for the Boston Marathon, was this your intent when you met the qualifying standard, or was it a bonus after a well run event?
RB: Well, to be truthful it’s all a blur. I was training for the mountain climb at the same time as the marathon. I knew I was strong (with my newly earned tree trunk legs) and I knew the time I needed, so I figured I may have a chance to qualify. I was very close to the time at the end, so I was very, very happy when I learned I qualified.
TS: You have four children; one in college and three at home. How do you manage family life and your training?
RB: Well it’s a balancing act. It seems like I spend a lot of mental time figuring out when I can fit everything in. My husband Jim is very supportive which is quite helpful, and I don’t mind getting up early!
TS: Your children see you participate in a wide variety of endurance events. What do you want them to take away from your example?
RB: That you can do anything and it doesn’t matter what your age is. If you are disciplined and determined, then you can do it.
TS: What is the one workout that lets you know that you are fit and ready for a long event like a half or full marathon?
RB: Running with Maggie (TS’s wife Maggie also qualified for Boston and will be running with Rita in April).
TS: What is your biggest endurance event lifetime goal?
RB: The Ironman, of course! I’m look at doing it when I’m 50 with Maggie!
TS: Would you rather win the Boston Marathon or summit Everest?
RB: Summit Everest because the mountain views are awesome!
TS: Is running in a run-specific “sport skirt” a sign of weakness or an example of girl power?
RB: You cannot run in a skirt because that is just WRONG. (Admittedly, I am old school)
TS: Other than “because it was there” what inspired you to climb Mt. Rainier?
RB: Climbing Mt. Rainier, was inspired by a co-worker. It was one of those “If HE can do it, then I can do it,” kinds of moments.
TS: What was one of the biggest challenges for you on this particular expedition?
RB: Well, to be honest, packing my gear was a challenge and making sure I had everything I needed. I had to be careful not to pack too much because I had to carry my beast of a bag up the mountain. Coming down the “disappointment cleaver” was a bit scary due to the 60-mph winds, so that comes in a very close second.
TS: What was the most rewarding aspect of your Mt. Rainier climb?
RB: Without a doubt, it was the spectacular view. It was well worth it.
TS: If you had to provide a theme song for this event what would it be? I’m thinking not Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty.
RB: Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.
TS: What advice would you give others who might want to attempt this feat?
RB: Oh, I have lots of advice. Read about Rainier, go with a respected guide company, carry a 50# backpack on your back while cleaning your house, and train until your legs look like tree trunks.
TS: In December you ran the Tecumseh Trail Marathon in Ohio. Would you recommend this to sane people?
RB: Hmmmm. How do I answer this??? Yes, I would recommend it. However, if you would have asked me immediately after the 5:20 marathon, I would have said “No way Jose!” It was a great adventure with my husband. Well, maybe I should say “torture” with my husband. It is a must try event. It makes the Pinckney ½ Marathon seem like a walk in the park. Who knew there are very large hills in Indiana? I’m here to tell you there certainly are!!! It is an event Jim and I will never forget, and we were rewarded with really cool jackets to commemorate our finish.
TS: If you had to do it again, what would you do differently?
RB: I would definitely do more hills in training. We thought we were prepared by doing the Yankee Springs trails, but we were foolish, very foolish because we way underestimated the hills in this marathon.
TS: When you qualified for the Boston Marathon, was this your intent when you met the qualifying standard, or was it a bonus after a well run event?
RB: Well, to be truthful it’s all a blur. I was training for the mountain climb at the same time as the marathon. I knew I was strong (with my newly earned tree trunk legs) and I knew the time I needed, so I figured I may have a chance to qualify. I was very close to the time at the end, so I was very, very happy when I learned I qualified.
TS: You have four children; one in college and three at home. How do you manage family life and your training?
RB: Well it’s a balancing act. It seems like I spend a lot of mental time figuring out when I can fit everything in. My husband Jim is very supportive which is quite helpful, and I don’t mind getting up early!
TS: Your children see you participate in a wide variety of endurance events. What do you want them to take away from your example?
RB: That you can do anything and it doesn’t matter what your age is. If you are disciplined and determined, then you can do it.
TS: What is the one workout that lets you know that you are fit and ready for a long event like a half or full marathon?
RB: Running with Maggie (TS’s wife Maggie also qualified for Boston and will be running with Rita in April).
TS: What is your biggest endurance event lifetime goal?
RB: The Ironman, of course! I’m look at doing it when I’m 50 with Maggie!
TS: Would you rather win the Boston Marathon or summit Everest?
RB: Summit Everest because the mountain views are awesome!
TS: Is running in a run-specific “sport skirt” a sign of weakness or an example of girl power?
RB: You cannot run in a skirt because that is just WRONG. (Admittedly, I am old school)
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